Do you know that the best golfers in the world only hit 12 greens in regulation per round on average? That the tour average for greens in regulation is only 63.13%*
How do they still post a good score? It’s because they are great around the greens with their chipping motion. Most of the time they will get the ball close enough to have only one putt and save par.
At Kapalua Golf Academy we have a large number of golfers who struggle with this aspect of their game. I propose the 711 set-up to be more consistent and increase the probability of getting up and down.
Start by evaluating how much green you have to work with. What is the ratio of airtime vs. ground time in order to get the ball rolling close to the hole? What trajectory do you need: high, medium, low? Select the club accordingly. If you have a tight hole-location with a very small amount of green to work with select a more lofted club. A 60 or 56 degrees wedge will be appropriate. If on the other hand you have more green to work with, select a P-wedge, 9 or 8 iron.
Here is my golden rule; make the ball roll as early as possible. You will increase your probability of getting the ball closer to the hole for a one putt.
Now we are ready for the set-up. Do the 711. Start with your feet together. Move your left foot 7 inches toward the target. Then move it 1 inch back. This will give you a slightly open stance. Move the other foot 1 inch away from the target. This will assure that the ball is back in your stance. The shaft will automatically lean toward the target giving you a better angle of attack. (See picture) Feel 70% of your weight on the foot closer to the target. You’ve got your 711. Keep the weight there during the swing. You have all your angles ready. Pick a spot on the green where you want the ball to land. Now it is time to swing the club. Enjoy the result. Regardless of the club you select, the same set-up applies. Let me say that again – no matter what club you select, use the same set-up – the loft of the club will determine the flight of the ball, not the set-up or the swing.
The most common flaw in the chipping motion is the flipping of the wrists. Many golfers try to scoop under the ball to get it airborne. This is a recipe for inconsistency. The result is often a ball that stays low and runs off the green. Other times the ball gets in the air but the golfer has no distance control. I recommend using a ruler in your glove to provide feedback – this keeps the leading wrist firm and avoids “flipping” (see picture). You can also try to chip with the right hand only or the left hand only (see picture). You will rapidly identify witch hand is cause the flipping.
Try these recommendations and let me know how they worked for you.
Go and have fun! Realize your golfing potential!
*Source pgatour.com/r/stats/

Claude Brousseau a Senior Teaching Professional
at Kapalua Golf Academy on Maui, a state-of-the-
art instructional facility unparalleled in Hawaii.
He can be reached at 808-665-5476
or claude.brousseau@kapalua.com or
www.kapalua.com